A funny experience: Grains of sugar on the floor

Mom did not know that they were there because she was not expecting them to be there.  However, I found them and reported their existence.

Mom had just finished up in the kitchen and was washing her hair when I decided to leave my chair and go walking around the kitchen area. Then I found them.

How did I know that they were sugar?  They felt grainy when I stepped into them.  That is, I could feel particles of grain under my slippers and I was able to confirm it when I bent down and caught a few grains in my hand.

Just another way for me to discover: by touch with my feet.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advisor wishing you a terrific day!

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
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www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

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A very good aunt: Thinking of Auntie

Sometimes I can be held guilty of not thinking enough of those who have helped so much during my lifetime and this is the case with my God Mother, Auntie Enid.

Here is a lady who has had so much to deal with throughout her life and although I have had so much difficulty understanding a lot of what she has done, it does not take away from the fact that in her own way she has been good to me.

Auntie never discriminated against me as a blind child and this has expanded into my adult life.  She has always been so prompt to render help and seek help for me whenever I am around her.  Now it is time for me to return this precious favour.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advisor wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

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An amazing experience: Gabriella and her picture taking

I am always so very happy whenever someone can take pictures with their iPhone and then send them to me.  There is a procedure for this entire process.

First, Gabriella and I decide what she is going to take.
Next, Gabriella takes the pictures with her iPhone.
Next, she looks at it to see if it has come out fine.
Then she sends it to my email address.
Finally, I detach and store the picture and then send it along to friends and family.

Now that I no longer have enough vision to see what she has taken, I need to depend on others to describe things for me. But my active imagination is always eagerly waiting to hear.

Gabriella has also found another purpose for her picture taking and this is that whenever she wants me to read a business card or something that has come in the mail, she takes a picture with her iPhone and then emails it to me.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit 
www.donnajodhan.com.
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
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Refreshing and enjoying: The Red Lobster experience

It always gives me pleasure to share whenever a good experience has been had at a restaurant and this was the case in June 2018 when I visited the Red Lobster Restaurant with friends.

From start to finish, as they say, everything was perfect.  I am not saying that everyone in the service industry ought to or needs to know that I am vision-impaired, but it is so refreshing when someone knows. It makes life so much easier and comfortable.

The folks at the service desk put us in a booth that was easy to find and navigate.  The waitress was so very helpful when it came to showing me where my drink was placed, where my utensils were, and told me exactly where she had placed my food.

What a lovely evening.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly advisor wishing you a terrific day!

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.
There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable nformational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
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A most humiliating experiences for me: No access when I voted in the Ontario Elections on June 7, 2018

Believe it or not, this was a total shock for me.  I could only say that it was one of the most horrible experiences for me when it comes to voting in Canada.

Prior to this experience on June 7, 2018, all of my experiences re voting in the Ontario Elections were excellent so just imagine my horror when I went to vote this time.  Here is the short story.

Staff at the polls were absolutely not trained to interact and communicate with a vision-impaired person.  They refused to communicate directly with me, choosing instead to insist that I sit in a chair and then communicating with my friend on my behalf.

They did not understand when my friend and I insisted that I be given my right to vote privately in the booth, insisting that either she or they could accompany me into the voting booth to cast my ballot.

They had no idea where to find the Braille templates or Braille documents.  They did not even know how to assemble the template and then slip the ballot into the template.  Most of all, the Braille was unreadable.

It is my right, just as it is the right of everyone else, to be allowed to vote in privacy. When staff such as these folks display such unawareness and lack of understanding I can only shake my head in disbelief and then do the right thing!  Take Elections Ontario to the Human Rights Tribunal!

This was totally unacceptable!

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advisor wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
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Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
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What a funny experience! Putting the wrong bottle in the freezer

Well now!  Here is another classic of how I almost ended up off of the beaten track and at the end of it all I simply had to laugh at myself. Here's the short form of the story.

I had bought a bottle of flavoured water at the supermarket and then had brought it home.  I placed it in my pantry next to a bottle of honey and then a few days later I returned to my pantry to retrieve the bottle of flavoured water so that I could freeze it for a few hours before taking it with me to an exam.

So far so good.  I removed what I thought was the bottle and placed it in the freezer and the next day I took it out of the freezer and was just going to leave it in my fridge to thaw out when I decided to check it to make sure that all was good.  Alas!  It was not good!

I soon discovered that instead of freezing the bottle of flavoured water, I had done it to the bottle of honey!  Time to correct but not panic!  I went to my pantry and retrieved the correct bottle, the flavoured water, and put it in the freezer.  Then I replaced the frozen bottle of honey on the shelf in my pantry.

Both bottles felt the same and were of the same height and this is how I got tripped up.  However, what I should have done was to shake the bottle when I first went to my pantry and no doubt I would have been able to avoid this mistake.

All in a day's work.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit 
www.donnajodhan.com.

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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A learning experience: Changing the light bulb in my bathroom

I can honestly tell you that this was probably one of the funniest experiences for me.  Now that I can no longer see light, and I am not sure why I do this, I still turn on lights and then turn them off at night or when I am finished in my bathroom.

Whenever I remember, I check the light bulbs in my bathroom to make sure that they are still working and this is exactly what I did a few months ago.

I carefully stood on my step stool and placed my hand gingerly on each of the five bulbs.  Alas!  One of the bulbs was cold to the touch so I knew that it was not lighting up.  So, I retrieved a new bulb, removed the offending one, and then proceeded to screw in the new bulb.

It took me a bit of time to fix things because I had to be very careful when inserting the new bulb so as not to get a current shock.  When I inserted the new bulb and screwed it in, I had to place my hand gingerly on the top of the bulb to make sure that it was lighting.

Eventually, I got it done.  All in a day's work.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable nformational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
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Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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A person of a lifetime: Getting ready to say so long to Joan

I have had the pleasure and privilege of being a part of Joan Spears’ life since 2014 and I will say most emphatically that it has been a great experience.

Joan has taught me so much; not just the rudiments of pottery but so much more.  I have learned to become more patient.  I have had the opportunity to use my creativity to build some really super pieces and I have had the pleasure to work with a very special lady.

I have never seen Joan in a down or unhappy mood.  She is always so very positive and ready to share her skills and knowledge.  She has taught me so much and soon I’ll be saying so long to her as she walks away into retirement.

Thank you, Joan, for everything and God be with you as you start a new chapter in your life.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advisor wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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A terrific experience: An audio description of my birthday lunch

For my birthday in 2018 I was so pleased when my dear friend Gabriella provided me with a terrific audio description of my birthday lunch.  From start to finish, she described every detail to me.

Gabriella took me for a Japanese lunch. As we sat at the cooking table waiting to be served, she described everything starting with the items on the menu to a detailed description of our choices of dishes, and then to what the chef was doing and how he was doing it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this meal with Gabriella and as I would say, I did not miss anything. Gabriella is a very unique person in that she has always taken the time and patience to describe things to me.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit 
www.donnajodhan.com.

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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Time to sweat bullets: Exam time once more

It always seems as if exam time comes a bit too quickly, but truth be told it comes once a year in the springtime. And when it does it always seems as if I am scrambling to be ready.

For the past few years I have been studying for my Law degree from the University of London England and taking my sweet time at doing it.  I have always wanted to become a lawyer but given the present landscape in my personal life, I really do not mind at all.

I will not be seeking to become an Attorney at Law, choosing instead to obtain my Law degree.  I have learned a lot over the last few years and this in itself has helped me to be a much better advocate.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable nformational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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A refreshing evening: Meeting Wendy Robins

She was probably one of the most pleasant persons for me to have met in a long time.  She was refreshing, open, and so very friendly.

Wendy is going to be working with me to produce an article that will give an in-depth history of my successful legal challenge against the Canadian Government over their inaccessible websites.  At this dinner meeting, Wendy worked with me and my friend Gabriella to lay down the foundations for the article.

Wendy did not seem to be uncomfortable in any way to be in the presence of someone who is vision impaired.  She was totally at ease and even went the extra mile to render assistance even before I thought to ask.

The world needs more folks like Wendy to help create a friendlier environment for blind and vision-impaired persons.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advisor wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html.

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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A humourous experience: The horse in the restaurant

On May 17, 2018, my friend Gabriella and I met with a professional writer to discuss her writing an article that would present a chronological history of my Charter Challenge and the events leading up to the introduction of the Accessible Canada Act to the Canadian Parliament.

We went to a restaurant in the Yorkdale Mall and just imagine my disbelief when Gabriella told me that there was a replica of a horse in the restaurant.

No, no kidding!  It was indeed a life size replica and I just could not believe it.  Gabriella offered to take me over to inspect said replica but I declined.  For as much as I adore and admire horses, I have never ridden one; there was something very strange about the entire thing.

I was not sure if my imagination took over but there it was.  I preferred not to feel and inspect it.

For the life of me I just could not understand why anyone would want to have the life size replica of a horse at a restaurant, but there you have it.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit 
www.donnajodhan.com.

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable informational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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It's no fun! Traveling alone

This is probably one of the most challenging things for me these days. With the world of travel changing all of the time, it only becomes more difficult for me as someone with a vision impairment.

It does not really matter how helpful agents are. It is the anxiety of hoping that no matter what, I will encounter helpful and friendly agents along the way.

It does not matter how much notice I give to airlines beforehand or to ground assistance companies before I travel, the anxiety for me is always there.

It all starts before I get to the airport and it does not end until I am safely in the car of family or friends.  From the curb to the check in counter, and from check in at security to the gate, everything for me is oh so stressful.

Then, aboard the aircraft to touch down and then to customs and immigration, it is the same.  Then to locate the luggage.  Then, on the return journey, it is no different!

Traveling across Canada may be a bit less stressful because when I travel internationally I cannot determine beforehand what I am going to encounter. Just another challenge for me to face each time I travel.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as an author then I invite you now to visit
www.donnajodhan.com.

There you will not only learn about me as an author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide-eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

And now my weekly podcast!
From recipes to apps, and 5 minute mysteries to tips for entrepreneurs and scam alerts!
www.donnajodhan.com/takeanother5.html

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter!
'Let's Talk Tips' is my monthly resource for the most current and reliable nformational tips available in the areas of Technology, Nutrition, Media, Business, and Advocacy.
http://bit.ly/ADJSubscribe

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan